WTM London 2017: easyJet Boss to Talk About Post-Brexit Era

easyJet’s Carolyn McCall

easyJet’s Chief Executive Carolyn McCall will speak about navigating the budget airline into the post-Brexit era when she appears at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2017, a leading global event for the travel industry.

McCall took the controls at the Luton-based airline in summer 2010, and has steered it to European expansion and record levels of profitability.

But there is turbulence ahead, as the airline’s costs and revenues are under pressure – thanks to sterling’s fall after the EU referendum – and Brexit means she is seeking a second operating certificate outside the UK.

McCall will be interviewed by WTM aviation expert, John Strickland, Director of JLS Consulting, on the first day of WTM London, which will take place November 6-8 at the ExCeL exhibition center.

“It will be fascinating to hear her at WTM London, as she will talk about how she has improved the airline’s customer service and online experience while boosting its bottom line,” Strickland said in an announcement.

According to the announcement, easyJet now carries 70 million passengers.

McCall will also discuss her future strategy, which includes the arrival of 30 larger Airbus A321neos – the first arriving in summer 2018 – to help it grow in slot-constrained airports.

“There might be more clarity about Brexit negotiations when we have our interview, so I will ask about plans for expansion in markets outside the UK, such as Italy, Spain or France,” Strickland said.

easyJet is a founder member of the Airlines4Europe lobbying group, so McCall is expected to refer to about industry issues such as taxation, air traffic control strikes, airport charges and technology.

The session takes place on Monday, November 6, at The Inspire Theatre from 3.30pm.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London 2017.